Post Primer: Unrest in Bahrain

A: Located in the western part of the Persian Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation of about 800,000 inhabitants. It’s been called “Middle East lite” for its relatively liberal and modern reputation compared to surrounding countries.

A: Like other Arab nations where citizens are revolting, the unrest in Bahrain seems to have been inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt. Yeman, Algeria and Iran also have citizens protesting in the streets.

Last week, a Facebook page urging “revolt” appeared online, calling for a day of protest on February 14. On Monday, thousands marched in a “Day of Rage” in the Shiite villages around the Bahraini capitol of Manama.

Q:Why are they upset?

A: The Shiite political opposition group Wefaq has said Shiites face discrimination when it comes to housing, healthcare and government jobs. They want the government to stop granting citizenship as well as military and security jobs to non-Bahraini Sunnis who are changing the demographic balance.

Protesters are demanding the country’s constitution be rewritten, giving Shiites more power. They’re also calling for the release of up to 500 imprisoned Shiite activists and investigation of torture allegations.

Q:What now?

A: As of Tuesday protesters have taken hold of Pearl Roundabout in Manama as their version of Tahrir Square. Wefeq has suspended its membership in parliament.

There has been speculation the uprising will spread to nearby Saudi Arabia, where Shiites are a minority group.

Q:What are police and government doing?

A: On the first day of protest, riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at activists. Protester Fadhel Salman Matrook was fatally wounded in the clashes and died in hospital. Another man is reported to have been killed by a shotgun blast during the first victim’s funeral procession Tuesday morning.

King Hamad has promised 1,000 dinars (US$2,650) to every family in an effort to quell protests. The government may also release minors arrested in the Shiite activist crackdown last year. In a televised speech he said the protester’s deaths would be investigated.

“We extend our condolences to the parents of the dear sons who died yesterday and today. We pray that they are inspired by the Almighty’s patience, solace and tranquility,” he said.

Q:Who else has a stake in Bahrain?

A: The United States will be keeping a close eye on the events in Bahrain. The country houses the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, the headquarters for a Marine Corps unit and an Air Force Base. Bahrain’s close proximity to Iran, Iraq and 40% of the world’s oil movement has given the U.S. a strategic base in the region.